Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition when a pregnant woman experiences extreme nausea and vomiting after the first trimester. Although most pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting in their first trimester-often considered part of the cravings-but if it persists after the first trimester has passed, the condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum can complicate daily activities and reduce morale. If you are concerned that you will develop this condition while pregnant, there are several ways you can reduce the chances of this condition occurring through diet changes, lifestyle modifications, and medications. See Step 1 for more information.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Modifying Diet
Step 1. Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day, this is better than three large portions
When you eat small portions throughout the day, your stomach will produce less acid to digest food. Lack of acid means less likely to upset your stomach, so you don't feel too queasy.
Eating large meals can also make your stomach bloat, which can trigger feelings of nausea that can lead to vomiting
Step 2. Eat cold food because it doesn't smell as strong as hot food
In general, you should avoid foods with strong aromas if you are concerned about developing hyperemesis gravidarum. Cold foods are generally lighter than hot foods, so opt for cold foods. While this may be frustrating for you, it may be worth it if you want to avoid nausea.
Step 3. Choose bland foods
Spicy and oily foods can make your digestive system produce more acid. This is because the spices and oils from the food stir up the stomach wall, causing your stomach and pancreas to secrete more bile. Due to the excess production of digestive acids, the vomiting center in the brain becomes active and can cause hyperemesis gravidarum.
Step 4. Avoid fatty foods
Fatty foods take more time to digest, meaning they slow down your digestive system and can increase the amount of acid your stomach produces. Too much acid means it will make you start to feel nauseous. Fatty foods include:
Fried foods, animal products such as lard, commercial cakes and cakes, vegetable oils, and margarine
Step 5. Avoid foods that you know trigger the gag reflex
Some foods have a stronger aroma than others. Everyone is different, so you should take note of foods that smell more strongly than you like.
Step 6. Keep your body hydrated
Nausea can be triggered by both thirst and hunger, so it's important to stay hydrated if you're worried about nausea. Drink your drink of choice in small sips as drinking a lot of water can also make you feel nauseous.
- If you are bored with plain water, you can add a little fruit juice to the water to give it a taste.
- You can also pour a glass of water (about 300 ml) and add a pinch of salt, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of sugar for a bitter but sweet drink.
Step 7. Drink ginger drink
Ginger helps fight hyperemesis gravidarum. This drink increases the movement of the gastrointestinal system and stops the signals to the brain that are responsible for making you feel like throwing up.
Step 8. Make a juice blender which is recommended for pregnant women
This drink provides nutrition to keep you healthy. The recipe can be adjusted if some aspect of the taste or texture is not to your liking. Combine the following ingredients in a blender:
One glass of fresh apple juice, 1 frozen banana, 1 teaspoon of hard sugarcane syrup, 1 cup of yogurt, 2 teaspoons of nutritious yeast, 1 tablespoon of protein powder, 1-2 tablespoons of honey, 1 cup of low-fat milk, 1 teaspoon of grass seafood containing a mixture of minerals, and 3 tablespoons of nuts
Step 9. Increase your intake of vitamin B6
You can take vitamin B6 supplements to reduce the chance of vomiting. Again, consulting a doctor before taking any supplements is always the best option.
The normal recommended dose is 50 mg daily
Step 10. Talk to your doctor if you want to use wild root
Consulting a doctor or specialist is always recommended before you try new herbs or make drastic changes to your diet. Wild tuber root is thought to affect estrogen levels and reduce the likelihood that you will feel nauseous. This root contains steroidal saponins that can affect hormones.
Dried herbs are generally in the form of capsules of 2 to 4 grams which can be taken daily with one glass of drinking water
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Avoid anything that triggers the gag reflex
While smells are the most powerful triggers, being in a place that previously emitted that smell can still make you throw up. Even thinking about certain foods can make you feel nauseous. Pay attention to anything that makes you feel nauseous and jot it down. Avoid all of these things as much as possible.
Scent is not limited to food. This unpleasant smell may come from public transport, the smell of sprays, chemicals, or foot odor
Step 2. Eliminate environmental factors that can trigger nausea
Two environmental factors that should generally be avoided if you're concerned about nausea are cigarette smoke and bright light. Of course you should avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible because it's not good for the baby when you inhale it, even if it's just passive smoke. Stay away from people who smoke and ask family members or friends not to smoke near you. Bright light can trigger nausea and vomiting, so keep the lighting in your home as dim as possible.
Step 3. Take the pill with plenty of food or water
When you take the pill, it is possible that your gag reflex will be triggered, which in turn can make you feel nauseous. Though you may have to take several pills every day to keep your baby healthy.
Take your pill with one gulp of water, or include it in foods such as yogurt, which can be swallowed without chewing
Step 4. Avoid things that cause stress or anxiety
Stress can trigger the vomiting center in the brain, so it's best to avoid stress as much as possible. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, talk to a trusted friend or family member about what you are going through. Talking to someone can usually reduce stress. You can also try stress-free activities such as:
- Yoga.
- Meditation.
- Watch favorite movies.
- Gardening.
Step 5. Listen to your body's cues and rest accordingly
Working hard can make you very tired. When you are tired, you are more likely to feel nauseous. No one knows your body better than you, so listen to its cues-take breaks when needed and don't be afraid to relax when you start to feel tired.
Step 6. Wear loose clothing
Wearing tight clothing can make it harder for you to breathe. Shortness of breath can cause nausea, so you should wear loose clothing that is comfortable and will allow you to breathe as deeply as you want.
Step 7. Lose weight before you get pregnant
Weight loss before pregnancy can also reduce the chances of hyperemesis gravidarum. Since high levels of estrogen play a role in hyperemesis gravidarum, lowering it may help. Generally, overweight women have higher levels of estrogen in the womb, so if you're really worried about developing hyperemesis gravidarum, you can try losing weight before you get pregnant.
Step 8. Create a good exercise routine for yourself before getting pregnant
A healthy mind can lead to a healthy pregnancy. Exercise encourages your body to pump out endorphins, chemicals that can make you feel good. When you feel happier, the stress you feel will be less. Stress really has an effect on the gastrointestinal system and can make you feel nauseous.
Method 3 of 3: Using Medication
Step 1. Prevent hyperemesis by requesting a prescription for Metoclopramide or Ondansetron
Drugs such as Ondansetron and Metoclopramide are used to avoid hyperemesis gravidarum. These drugs are thought to block 5HT3 receptors. These are receptors in the body that become active when the body wants to vomit. These drugs block the receptors, thereby preventing the vomiting trigger from being activated.
Metoclopramide is generally prescribed in doses of 5 to 10 mg, taken every eight hours
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about antiemetic drugs
Antiemetic drugs can reduce feelings of nausea or the urge to vomit. However, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you. Some of the antiemetic drugs used to combat nausea include:
- Promethazine.
- Chlorpromazine.
- Metoclopramide.
Step 3. Consider taking Prednisolone if you have hyperemesis gravidarum
Prednisolone has been known to have an effect on hyperemesis gravidarum. This medicine can stop vomiting and can also help you regain the weight you have lost due to this condition. Steroids reduce stimulation in brain centers that cause vomiting.
